Frequently Asked Questions
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My son is in the fourth grade. How do I find out about middle school options and the best fit for him? What do I need to do now in order to prepare?

There are many options for students. You can always go to www.dadeschools.net and visit the Schools of Choice web page to learn more about the options available to middle school students. It is also a good idea to schedule school site visits to learn more about programs at schools of interest to you. For more information, you may contact the Office of School Choice and Parental Options at 305-995-1922.

My child is reading below grade level. What can I do to help him?

A good starting point to help your child improve his or her reading skills is to meet with the child’s teacher and guidance counselor to discuss his or her progress. You may also inquire about receiving a copy of the child’s textbooks on CD. Utilizing resources at your public library is also a good idea. You may use the computers at the library to access Riverdeep and FCAT Explorer practice tests. It is also helpful to read to your child. Choose books and other literature that interests your child. For more information about how to help your child improve their reading skills you may call 305-995-3120.

How can a parent access the electronic Gradebook?

The Parent Portal, http://myportal.dadeschools.net/parent/, provides parents with the ability to access the electronic Gradebook through the Parent Internet Viewer (PIV). The Portal also provides parents with information related to their child and other valuable resource tools.

PIV access is given to schools once they have been trained and are thoroughly accustom to the new electronic process. Schools should notify parents when they have PIV access.

If a school has successfully completed the training and is using the electronic Gradebook effectively, parents will receive notification from the school to register for a Parent Portal account (this is not necessary if you have already registered). Prior to beginning the registration process, it is necessary for you to obtain a Parent PIN number from your child’s school (if you have more than one child and the other child attends a different school, you must also visit that school). This PIN will be used during the registration process.

As part of the registration process, you will be required to establish a password and to register with the District’s password Management tool.

Once registered, you can access the PIV by clicking on the link located on the right-hand side of the Parent Portal page.

Why did the school system take off the Summer School Program for everyone?

As a result of limited funding, the District had to make important decisions regarding the Summer School Program. District staff considered federal and state requirements and student needs to prioritize services; therefore, only selected programs can be offered. If specific information for the 2007 Summer School Program is needed, please contact Summer Services at 305-995-4656.

How would losing students in the district affect the funding?

The major portion of state support for school districts is distributed under a complex formula called the Florida Education Finance Program (FEFP). This formula’s base funding includes the number of full-time equivalent (FTE) students, program cost factors, a base student allocation and a cost differential due to the cost of living in various districts. In addition, there are special allocations provided for specific programs to be implemented.

Local revenue for school support is derived almost entirely from property taxes levied by the District. For School Boards to receive FEFP funding, they must levy the millage set by the Legislature for its required local effort from property taxes. School Boards may set additional discretionary tax levies pursuant to law.

School districts receive funds from the federal government directly and through the state as an administering agency for grants and Food Service funds.

In September, at final adoption, the budget is based on the estimated number of FTE students. In both October and February a FTE survey is submitted to the Department of Education. Based on the revised FTE students, revenue is recalculated through the FEFP and increased or decreased based upon actual results.

The comprehensive FEFP formula can be found at the following Web site: http://firn.edu/doe/fefp/pdf/fefpdist.pdf